Obituary

Gerald “Jerry” Peterson

Janesville, WI

Gerald“Jerry” Peterson age 84 of Janesville died Wednesday, April 17, 2013, at St. Elizabeth Manor in Footville. He was born March 8, 1929, in Sharon, Wisconsin, to the late Norman and Florence (Utesch) Peterson. Jerry attended Clinton High School, Class of 1946. He married Iris Dahlstrom on June 17, 1951, and she preceded him in death on July 2, 2000. He married Helen (Shull) Miedema on January 6, 2001. She survives. He was a life-time active member of Jefferson Prairie Lutheran Church. Jerry was a dairy farmer for many years and was employed by Helgesen Harvestore for many years retiring in 1991. He was awarded the Wisconsin Outstanding Young Farmer in 1964.

He is survived by his wife, Helen Miedema Peterson, his children, Steven (Lisa) Peterson of Hartsville, SC, Bruce Peterson of Beloit, Joanne (David) Kightlinger of Irmo, SC, and Christe (Tom) McKittrick of Cincinnati, OH. Grandchildren are Torres (Erin) Peterson, Timothy (Nicole), Anna, Grace and Samuel McKittrick. Great-grandchildren are Ethan and Addysin Peterson and Zoey Pearson. He is further survived by his brother George Peterson of Beloit, Helen’s family and many nieces and nephews.

We will miss all of his stories, his lawnmowers and the ever-present smile on his face. His hobbies included fishing and gardening.

Jerry’s Funeral Service will be 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2013, at JEFFERSON PRAIRIE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 23184 Bergen Road, Poplar Grove, IL with Pastor Thomas G. Groth officiating. Friends will be received on Friday in the BRIAN MARK FUNERAL HOME, 504 Milwaukee Road, Clinton, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. and again on Saturday at Church from 10 a.m. until the time of service. The cortege will process to the Jefferson Prairie Cemetery for interment. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established in his name. Please share a memory or a condolence with the Peterson family on our website.

Condolences

5 Responses to Gerald “Jerry” Peterson

I fished many falls with Jerry and the Strouse family in northern Wisconsin. He always supplied us with stories and a good time. Please accept my condolences.

Loren Lippincott

- Loren Lippincott

We send our deepest sympathy to Jerry’s family.
Our family ties goes way back with many memories
from the farming years. Many times the loading of
livestock for trip to Milwaukee and Cudahay.
All the best of memories and good old days.
The Kalb Family !

- Ernie & Ginny Kalb

Praying and loving you all. Celebrating with you as your father is dancing with Jesus. Hugs and kisses.
Tim and Lisa

- Tim and lisa Kennedy

Wanted to write something profound, somehow, falling short of profound..
Love my Uncle Jerry, what means as much to me though, my sons love their Uncle Jerry…
A man of faith, family, integrity, good character..
Friend said earlier she was sorry for our loss…Loss?
Uncle Jerry was a farmer-whether on or off the farm, Uncle Jerry was a farmer. He knew how to raise a ‘good crop.’ Sometimes with a ‘guiding hand’ upon the ‘seat of judgement,’ sometimes knowing only the enfolding arms of a loving father could ease a troubled heart..
My uncle raised a ‘good crop.’
Our Father’s farm now has one more farmer on it, farming the Father’s farm with his father for…
the Father deserves….a ‘good crop…’

- Wesley Monsen

Just as I remember the homemade pickles Florence would share at Jefferson Prairie (as well as her big smile and glowing face), so I treasured seeing Jerry at church. He was one of the dear souls who, through faithful worship and genuine friendliness, fulflled the Bible’s admonition to “uphold each other in the faith.”

May Jerry’s family and friends be blessed with comfort and renewed hope.